Monster Encyclopaedia II: The Dark Bestiary
| Author | J. C. Alvarez |
| Publisher | Mongoose Publishing |
| Publish date | 2005 |
| OGL Section 15 | me2 |
The material below is Open Game Content
Onyx
Medium Construct
Hit Dice: 7d10+20 (58 hp)
Initiative: +8
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
AC: 24 (+4 Dex, +10 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+8
Attack: Claw +9 melee (1d4+3) or bite +9 melee (1d3+3)
Full Attack: 2 claws +9 melee (1d4+3) and bite +7 melee (1d3+1)
Space/Reach: 5 ft. /5 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab, pounce, rake
Special Qualities: Construct traits, damage reduction 5/adamantine, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, spell resistance 22
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +6, Will +3
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 19, Con –, Int 3, Wis 12, Cha 3
Skills: Balance +12, Jump +11, Hide +9, Listen +5, Move Silently +9, Spot +5
Feats: Improved Initiative, Multiattack, Weapon Finesse
Environment: Underground
Organisation: Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: Double standard
Alignment: Usually neutral evil
Advancement: 8-10 (Medium), 11-21 (Large)
Level Adjustment: +3
This appears to be the living sculpture of a big cat, only entirely made of jade or some other green stone. However, its movements are not like those of an animated effigy or statue; they are fluid, stealthy and agile, its articulations smooth and shifting as those of a normal animal.
An onyx is the idol of a cult of cat worshippers, given life and movement by a dark ritual. The creature appears as a Medium or Large, lean cat, fashioned from a single block of jade or greenstone. It usually wears a golden collar or other such ornament. When an onyx moves, its limbs almost appear made of liquid gemstone.
Combat
An onyx attacks in utter silence. It stealthily stalks its opponents, waiting for the right moment to pounce on them and turn them to shreds with its stone claws.
Improved Grab (Ex): If an onyx hits with its bite attack, it can start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can rake.
Pounce (Ex): An onyx can make a full attack, including two rake attacks, after a charge.
Rake (Ex): Attack bonus +9 melee, damage 1d4+1.
Skills: An onyx is built with a +4 racial bonus on all Hide and Move Silently checks, as well as a +8 racial bonus on Balance and Jump checks.
Onyx Construction
An onyx must be crafted from a single block of solid jade worth at least 2,500 gold pieces. Creating the body requires a Craft (sculpture) check or a Craft (stonemasonry) check (DC 15).
CL 11th; Craft Construct, animate objects, limited wish, stone shape; caster must be at least 11th level; Price 26,000 gp; Cost 15,500 gp + 940 XP.
